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232 members of the European coalition repeatedly entered into a solemn engagement that they would make no separate peace. The engagement broke down under the stress of circumstances. It is at least conceivable that circumstances, say the pressure of a national disaster or an internal revolution, might again prove too strong even for the most resolute Government, and no Russian Government would dare refuse a separate peace if the vital necessities of the people demanded it. A few months ago the resistance of Russia was completely paralyzed for lack of ammunition. It might be paralyzed again. Her most prosperous provinces are ravaged. Grave internal difficulties are ever threatening her. And it is probably in response to popular demand that even so strong a generalissimo as Grand Duke Nicholas was removed from the supreme command. One can therefore imagine a combination of tragic circumstances where the Russian Government might be unable to resist the political, financial and military pressure, and might be reduced to accept an inconclusive peace. For Russia as well as for ourselves the danger of an inconclusive peace is by far the greatest peril which threatens us in the future. The Russian